Officer struck by bullet in North Myrtle Beach, suspect in custody

By Kelly Matter and Christel Bell| June 20, 2016 at 5:14 AM EST - Updated July 9 at 8:40 PM

Earnail Michael Godbold, 52, North Myrtle Beach.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - A North Myrtle Beach Police Officer was shot in the foot Sunday night while on duty responding to a domestic call, according to NMB officials.

Webster said the shooting happened on Bellamy Road at Highway 17 in the unincorporated area of North Myrtle Beach. Officials said the suspect fired at three NMB officers as they were approaching him. Police then returned fire and one officer was struck by a bullet on the foot.

After the exchange of gunfire, the suspect drove southbound on Hwy 17 through NMB. Officers were able to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of 8th North and Highway 17 where the suspect was taken into custody.

HCPD officers arrived and assumed the investigation into the domestic incident and shooting. The suspect in the domestic and the shooting, Earnail Michael Godbold,52, of North Myrtle Beach, has been book at the Horry County Detention Center and charged with Domestic Violence 1st Degree, Assault and Battery 1st Degree, three counts of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime.

According to the arrest warrant, Godbold the threw a victim down onto the bed by her throat, pointed a handgun at her, and threatened others in the house during an argument after they arrived home. The warrant states children were at the home when he was in possession of a handgun, the children fled the home in fear of their life.

The officer was transported to Grand Strand Medical Center and does not suffer any life-threatening injuries. Webster said that officer is being treated and released.

The suspect was not shot during the exchange, however he is in custody. Officials say the suspect reportedly suffers from PTSD. A family member that lived at home said Godbold was taking medication to treat his condition, but she felt it was not effective. The relative also told WMBF News Godbold served in two wars.

North Myrtle Beach Chief of Police, Phil Webster said North Myrtle Beach Police say they continue to train officers on how to deal with situations that involve a personal with mental health issues, including PTSD. "There is also mandated training that is coming out soon a lot of that was pushed by the President in his 21st Century Initiative, but our officers we do send them to classes," Webster stated.